Neil Murray
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Neil Murray

| INDIE

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"Testimonials"

Testimonials
“Neil Murray’s songs and writings speak to me about Australia, in a way that few other artists can. The loss and longing, the need for those of us, as migrant Australians, to understand this Aboriginal Country and create a new way to belong here. Neil’s never opted for the easy road. The hard edged reality of life on the fringes as well as the poetic grandeur of the landscape are all there in his powerful body of work. 
– Shane Howard, Singer/Songwriter
“His lyrical themes are as relevant to Australia as Woody Guthrie’s are to America". 
- Billy Pinnell, Music Critic
“Neil Murray’s songs are part of Australia’s music heritage. He writes songs which are intuitive, passionate and stimulating and sews his heart on his sleeve with personal insights.”
- Bob Aird, Managing Director - Universal Music Publishing Group, Australia.



Neil Murray's an incredible storyteller whether he's writing poems, songs or novels. There's no one quite like him in America - but I'd rank him with Jackson Browne, Townes Van Zandt and Rodney Crowell in the singer-songwriter pantheon.
- John Lomax III, Nashville based International consultant

“Neil Murray sings from the heart of the country. His understanding of the interplay of humans and the landscape is Grand Canyon deep. More than this, he is a man who knows how to tell a story. 

Neil sounds like he's lived a thousand lives, singing the destiny of women, children, travelling (lots of 'driving' songs), people dying on public transport, lost culture, and funny characters met along the way. He doesn't sound bitter though, just bittersweet.
All this distils down into lyrically driven songs that are universal in their appeal, because they glimpse pathos, humanity and connection to the land in an honest way. It's as if the truth is laid bare in his work. Not hokey, or bushdancing, there is a real voice speaking to you here, like the full moon cutting through a cold clear night.
I have performed with Neil and just love his songs. That's why I'm there. It's as simple as that. Songs and poems from one of the greats, ignored by radio (what legend isn't?) it's a crime of Roger Rogerson proportions. But that is of little consequence. OK, he may still be a treasured secret to those who believe. But Neil's song legacy is breathtaking. Long may he keep the flame of observation, poetry and songcraft alive.
- Jim Moginie, founding member of Midnight Oil, songwriter, musician and producer

- Media Disc


Discography

LP's-Calm & Crystal Clear ( 1989)
These Hands ( 1993)
Dust (1996)
The Wondering Kind (1999)
Going The Distance ( 2003)
About Time ( 2005)
2 Songmen - Neil Murray & Shane Howard Live ( 2006)
Spoken -2006
Overnighter- 2007.
Witness- 2010
See www.myspace.com/neilmurraymusic

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Bio

Neil Murray was one of the founding members of legendary Australian indigenous rock outfit the Warumpi Band which stormed out of the outback in the early 80's and lit up the Australian music scene with authentic true songs of indigenous experience. Rock songs in indigenous language had never been heard in the maintstream before. The Warumpi's released 3 albums and toured nationally and internationally over 2 decades, blazing a trail for other indigenous bands to follow and were an influence on established rock bands Midnight Oil and Powderfinger.
Neil Murray began a solo career in 1989 and has since released 10 albums the latest being "OWitness" thru ABC Music. In 1995 he won the APRA song of the year award for "My Island Home" - a song originally written for the Warumpi Band and re-recorded by Christine Anu.
His influences are varied and many but among them he would equally include well known names such as Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Willie Nelson with lesser known songwriter performers such as John Martyn, Patti Griffen, Don Walker, David McComb and Youngie Doug.
Neil Murray has also published a novel "Sing for me Countryman", a book of poetry "One man tribe", a collection of his song lyrics "Native Born" and has had one play produced "King for this place"
He performs regularly at festivals both in Australia and overseas.